May I first say how very pleased I am to be back in Japan. It is my fourth visit as Prime Minister—which is a record for any British Prime Minister. That demonstrates the very great importance which Japan, and relations with Japan, have for us.
Secondly, I want to say how very grateful I am [end p1] that so many distinguished guests have come tonight, including such good friends. One doesn't often get four Prime Ministers in a room, except at international meetings! I have had the great privilege of working closely with Mr. Nakasone, Mr. Takeshita and Mr. Uno {check he is actually there}, both at Economic Summits and in bilateral relations. [end p2] All have made an extremely distinguished contribution not only to Japan but on the world stage as well, and we all honour them.
I am also grateful to those members of the Government who have come tonight—I am looking forward to my talks with them—and to the representatives of Japan's business and industry. [end p3]
Our experience of Japanese industry in Britain is very positive, especially those companies who have invested in our country. We hope there will be many more of them.
We are at a very important moment in world affairs, facing unprecedented changes, above all in the Soviet Union and Eastern [end p4] Europe, and new problems, especially those of the global environment.
At times like these it is especially important that the great democracies who believe in freedom, enterprise and the rule of law should stand closely together. That applies particularly to Britain and Japan. [end p5]
You may know the story of the conversation between Winston Churchill and Dr. Adenauer, the German Chancellor.
Adenauer asked Churchill what change he thought God should make if he made the world over again. Churchill replied that God should put each nation on an island, surrounded by water. Adenauer said that was a very British [end p6] answer.
Well of course it is a very Japanese answer too. Because we are both islands, we have much in common, in particular a dependence on trade and therefore an interest in open markets. That is why Britain takes such a very strong lead in the European Community in [end p7] keeping markets open and in pressing for freedom from regulations and bureaucracy.
We are also very much aware that we cannot solve our problems in isolation. More than ever we need to work together, on debt and the problems of the developing countries, on the environment, on problems such as terrorism and drugs. [end p8]
And that is what we are doing, above all through the meetings of the Economic Summit Seven, in which Japan plays such an important role.
It has proved a very successful group, above all in making sure that we all follow sound economic and financial policies.
But Ie—and of course the earlier you contribute, the easier it is to make plans.
I am very much looking forward to my talks with Prime Minister Kaifu. We know him well as an active member of [end p9] the UK-Japan 2,000 Group. And of course like all the best Prime Ministers, he has the experience of having been an Education Minister first!
We shall be discussing all these issues and how we can tackle them together.
Yes, I shall be raising some problems in our trade relations, you would expect me to do [end p10] that. But here too great progress has been made especially over whisky tax, and we are very grateful for what has been done.
We shall also discuss Hong Kong, whose people have been subjected to very considerable shock in recent months. It is very important that both our countries should demonstrate their [end p11] continuing confidence in and commitment to a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
But I don't want to take you aln our trade relations, you would expect me to do [end p12] that. But here too great progress has been made especially over whisky tax, and we are very grateful for what has been done.
We shall also discuss Hong Kong, whose people have been subjected to very considerable shock in recent months. It is very important that both our countries should demonstrate their [end p13] continuing confidence in and commitment to a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong.
But I don't want to take you all through the list of subjects, only to conclude with two remarks: — first we can both be very satisfied with the way in which democracy is on the move [end p14] right across the world. It opens up new hope for the future and for our young people. — second I want my visit to Japan this week to demonstrate beyond all doubt Britain's determination to have the best possible relations with Japan at every level—trade, political, cultural, investment. I hope—and I believe—that desire is [end p15] reciprocated and that we shall together make the 1990s a decade of unprecedented partnership and friendship between Britain and Japan.
May I suggest that we all drink a toast to that.